Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Rabbit Island
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Grunt Factor: 10 ?
Gnarl Factor: 5 ?
12.4km
40m
40m
10m
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Grunt Factor: 10 ?
Gnarl Factor: 5 ?
12.4km
40m
40m
10m
Urban fringe
Combo
Totally/mostly flat
Plantation/exotic forest
Beach
Coastal
Farm Road / 4WD Track
Easy Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +0.3%
Average Downhill Gradient: -0.2%
Login as a VIP to see the trailhead information.
2:00
Slow
1:00
Moderate
0:45
Fast
This is a great flat run close to Nelson and Richmond and Rabbit Island has plenty of scope to cut your distance down or up as tracks criss-cross through the production Pine Forest.
Drive out to the front Beach and park at the most Western carpark where you will see the Interpretation panels for the Great Taste Trail. Don't start your run close to sunset as the access gate is locked at sunset every day. You can also run around the island from Mapua as there is a ferry service across to the Island - check their website for a timetable.
From the carpark follow the Great Taste Trail West (anticlockwise around the island) until you reach the ferry landing opposite Mapua, then carry on around the well marked trail around the circumference of the island back to relink into the Great Taste Trail and back to your car. There are mountain bike trails that go off the track at different points that allow you to lengthen or shorten your run. Take a nice dip in the sea after your run.
Nice mix of coastal beach and pine plantation running and great views of Mapua and Waimea Inlet.
If you know of any public toilets near the trail start or on the route, please login and then let us know so we can update this section.
Plenty of parking along front beach. No public transport; area is popular and generally safe.
16 km
20 minutes
Unknown
No
Moderate.
Keep the sea or Ken Beck drive on your right and you can't go wrong. If lost just head for the sea.
Generally good.
Windproof jacket, Cellphone, Map
Bring your own water. DON'T drink from any fire ponds as the water is toxic
Good all year
There are Bio hazard areas on island - don't enter these areas if marked.
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Rabbit Island
As a VIP member you can record private notes for this trail, see all of your times and more.
Already have an account? Login now
This is an easy, flat run with some nice views of the coast around the island.
December 26, 2021
Awesome run once you eventually find the car park at the start. Fairly flat with a few undulations. A good mix of forest and coastal views. Track wide enough to share easily with MTBs.
December 3, 2021
Easy/fun and more special than expected eg the early morning light on the Mapua landscape was spectacular.
September 16, 2021
The Wild Things Trail Directory is proudly supported by 
Send to your phone
Scan the below QR code to open this trail on your phone.
Tip: position the QR code in your phone camera screen.
